Education and equity: twin pillars of Finnish culture

Platitudes about education are not hard to find. Education is “the key to success in life”. It is lauded as “our greatest natural resource” and proclaimed to be “the single most important job of the human race”.

But all this implies that education is a uniform, unchanging force for good. Far from it: education is shape-shifting and can serve myriad purposes, whether indoctrination or ...  (continue reading)

Discovered… A Home Away from Home

1. A preference of harmony in people’s relation to their surroundings, both natural and social.
2. Getting along with others is important.
3. A consensus-building decision-making process is strongly preferred.
4. Work is a value in itself, not just what can be gained by working.
5. Be punctual, persevering, frugal and prudent.
6. Pay attention to details!

Which country do you imagine when you hear ...  (continue reading)

Summer cottage, sauna, good food and wonderful talks: the ultimate Finnish experience

Welcome to a Finnish summer cottage in Hyvinkää. Take off your shoes (as the Finns always do) and be ready to enjoy the summer sun, the smell of old wood, sauna, wonderful people, interesting conversations, starry nights and delicious food.

Being with a Finnish family for the weekend has been one of the best things of the Foreign Correspondents’ Programme so far. Jaakko Jokio, and Annukka and ...  (continue reading)

Nordic Peace

Freedom

In Finland, you can feel as free as a child. There is always something for everyone. You can find yourself easily in Angry Birds Activity Parks. It does not matter if you are child or not. That’s why when I found myself in a swing in Angry Birds Activity Park in Rovaniemi, I was there more than 2 hours.

Photo by Gunjan Sharma

Safety

In residence where I stayed, my room was near the road so ...  (continue reading)